UltraDuty® GHS Chemical Labels

What is GHS?//

The OSHA-mandated system for classifying and labeling chemicals impacts companies that produce, ship or use hazardous chemicals. As of June 1, 2016, workplaces must be compliant with the Globally Harmonized System(GHS) and update labels on chemical and secondary containers to avoid fines.

With the Avery Design & Print GHS Wizard it's easy for you to get compliant by creating your own GHS labels. You can start with a blank or predesigned template and then add your GHS-compliant information including GHS pictograms, GHS symbols and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) pictograms. Our step-by-step instructions make it easy to create your GHS labels based on the SDS.

RightAnswer Knowledge Solutions

RightAnswer Knowledge Solutions offer chemical and regulatory information to help classify products, create labels or SDS and assist with GHS and EHS regulatory compliance. Subscribe to this comprehensive online system providing access to over 100 proprietary, government and EHS exclusive data sources with over 11 million documents covering more than 400,000 substances. All integrated and available through a single search. As an Avery Referred Customer, it’s only $14.99 a day.

What is GHS?

GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. It was developed by the United Nations and its goal is to standardize and harmonize the classification and labeling of chemicals to give universally understood warnings to users. The three major areas of impact are:

Hazard Classification: Definitions of hazard now include specific criteria for classifying health and physical hazards as well as classification of mixtures. It will result in more accurate safety data sheets.

Labels: Chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors must use labels that include a harmonized signal word, pictograms and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.

Safety Data Sheets: Now have a specific 16-section standardized format.

When does GHS take effect?

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopted GHS in 2012. The timeline for implementation in the U.S. is as follows:

Phase 1: December 2013 Employee GHS training begins

Phase 2: June 2015 Manufacturers use compliant labels

Phase 3: December 2015 Distributors use compliant labels

Phase 4: June 2016 In-plant labeling full implemented

Who does it affect?

GHS affects chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and any company that has hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Chemical manufacturers must re-classify their hazardous chemicals based on a common system of chemical classification defined by GHS. They must update their safety data sheets and also use GHS-compliant labels to identify their hazardous chemicals.

Employers with hazardous chemicals in the workplace must ensure that they have safety data sheets and labels for their exposed workers and that they are trained to handle the chemicals properly.

What is required on a GHS label?

What is BS5609 Certification

Companies with chemicals that will be exported via ocean freight must also comply with British Standard BS5609. This is a requirement for International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) certification

BS5609 Section 2 requires that the blank label and adhesive can withstand a three-month salt water submersion test. It also includes artificial weathering tests (salt spray and sunlight). When a label is Section 2 certified, it means the blank label is BS5609 Section 2 compliant.

Even if you are not shipping overseas, going with a BS5609 certified material ensures a durable label that will resist falling off or fading if exposed to water or sunlight. Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels are BS5609 Section 2 and 3 certified*.

* To see a list of printers that are BS5609 Sec. 3 certified with Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels, click here.

What printers can I use to print GHS labels?

If you do not require BS5609 Section 3 certification:

When using Avery UltraDuty® GHS Chemical Labels designed for laser printers, you can use a standard laser printer. For best results, use the Label setting on your printer.

When using Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels designed for inkjet printers, you can use pigment-based inkjet printers. Examples include HP® OfficeJet Pro and Epson® WorkForce® Pro printers. Click here to learn about pigment-based ink.

Does Avery have software and templates for GHS?

Yes. Use Avery Design & Print GHS Wizard for a quick and easy way to create GHS labels. You can start with a blank or pre-designed template and then add GHS compliant information using a guided process.

Does GHS affect current workplace hazard labeling systems?

Yes. If a chemical is supplied to the workplace with a GHS label, it must be maintained. If the chemical is transferred to a secondary container (i.e. tank or spray bottle) that remains in the workplace, then employers can choose to have it labeled it with the same information from the original GHS shipping label or safety data sheet. However, employers can also choose to use an alternative system such NFPA or HMIS. If using an alternative system, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the information is consistent with GHS and that workers understand specific physical and health hazards.

If the chemical is transferred to a "portable" secondary container for use by only the person who transferred it during the same work shift, then it is considered "immediate use" and a label is not required.

Does GHS apply to small containers of chemicals?

Yes. Even if the hazardous chemical is in a small bottle, a manufacturer, importer or distributor must attach a GHS label to a hazardous chemical’s immediate container if it is to be transported. It cannot be attached only to the outside packaging of a shipped chemical.

If a chemical manufacturer is able to show that it is not feasible to use a label (i.e. pull-out, fold out label) or tags containing full GHS information, the shipped small chemical container at a minimum must contain the following:

Product identifier

Appropriate pictograms

Manufacturer's name and phone number

Signal word

A statement indicating that the full label information for the chemical is on the outside package that is holding the smaller containers.

Additionally, the outside packaging at a minimum must comply with the following:

Outer label has all applicable GHS elements and it must be maintained (i.e. not torn, faded or destroyed)

Information stating that the small container must be stored in the outer container which has the complete GHS label

Ensure that outer packaging does not conflict with any other standard (i.e. outer packaging cannot be flammable if it contains a flammable chemical)

If I have a GHS label do I need a D.O.T label?

Yes, D.O.T labels must still be on the external part of a shipped container and must meet the Dept. of Transportation (DOT) requirements set forth in 49 CFR 172, Subpart E. OSHA will allow both D.O.T and GHS pictograms for the same hazard on a label. While the D.O.T diamond label is required for all hazardous chemicals on the outside shipping container, chemicals in smaller containers inside the lager shipped container do not require the D.O.T diamond but do require the GHS pictograms.

Can I use Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels for other uses?

Yes, Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels are perfect for any application where extra durability and adhesive performance is required. These labels are underwater submersible and resistant to chemicals, abrasion, weather, sunlight, tearing and temperature.

Some alternate uses include:

Hazard Warning Labels

Signs

Arc Flash Labels

Vat and Tank Labels

Marine equipment labels

Outdoor work labels

Get 10% off* Promo Code: GHS10

Custom printing made easy

Low minimum order quantities

Free, easy-to-use templates and designs

* Offer expires 12/31/2018. Offer is only valid on orders shipping within the United States and Puerto Rico and does not apply to Canada. Limit one promotional code per customer. Discount will be applied to product subtotal, and will not apply to shipping, handling or tax. Additional charges may apply for shipping, tax and/or processing unless otherwise noted. Discount applies to Avery WePrint purchases only and does not apply to retail packaged products sold on this website. Discount will not be applied to any previous transactions and cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Avery may change, modify or cancel this promotion at any time without notice. Offer subject to change.

Avery UltraDuty™ GHS Chemical Labels

Request a Free Sample

Fill out the form below to receive a FREE sample of our UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your sample to arrive.

Please note that we cannot ship to P.O. boxes.

*Indicates required field

Name:*

Company Name:

Street Address 1:*

Street Address 2:

City:*

State & ZIP:*

Email:*

Receive free offers, product information and news from Avery by email

Limit one sample per person, while supplies last. Avery reserves the right to limit quantities. Offer good in the Continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. Offer void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted.

Posting or linking of this offer on any bulletin board, personal Web page, or by other means of dissemination without permission from Avery Products Corporation is strictly prohibited and deemed a violation of Avery’s intellectual property rights. Avery Products Corporation reserves its right to exercise any legal recourse against anyone who infringes its intellectual property rights.

Looks Like We’re Experiencing Some Technical Difficulties

We apologize for the inconvenience. Please come back later and try again.

Your Request Is Being Processed

We received your request for the Avery UltraDuty™ GHS Chemical Labels sample. Your sample should arrive in two to three weeks and we can’t wait for you to try them.

Thank you for your interest in Avery products.

For more information on Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels and to check out the FREE Avery Design & Print GHS Wizard where you can design chemical labels step-by-step, visit avery.com/GHS.

About BS5609 Label Durability for Marine and Extreme Environments

Understanding BS5609 Label Certification

Companies transporting dangerous goods in marine environments (overseas) are subject to safety regulations and may require British Maritime Standards (BS5609) certification for their labeling components. This is a requirement for International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) certification. The purpose is to ensure that if a chemical drum falls off a ship that the label remains adhered, intact and legible after an extended period in the ocean. Labels need to withstand a three-month salt water submersion. BS5609 compliance means the label has met the most stringent tests for durability in the industry.

What is BS5609 Section 3 compliance?

The difference between Section 2 and Section 3 is that the printed label is tested, whereas Section 2 is only testing blank label stock. With Section 3 compliance, labels are tested for abrasion resistance and permanence of print. Tests include exposing the label to artificial weathering (salt spray & sunlight), tape removal and abrasion resistance.

Can I use a standard color laser printer to print GHS labels?

Yes, if you are not shipping chemicals in marine environments and do not require BS5609 Section 3 certification, then you can use a standard color laser printer with Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels and have great durability. This works well for domestic shipments or workplace labeling. For best results, use the Label setting on your printer.

Can I use a standard inkjet printer to print GHS labels?

If you are not shipping chemicals in marine environments and do not require BS5609 Section 3 certification, then you can use a standard pigment-based desktop printer with Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels (Inkjet) and have excellent durability. This works well for domestic shipments or workplace labeling.

Inkjet Prints: Pigment- vs. Dye-Based Inks

Most desktop inkjet printers use either dye-based or pigment-based inks. What's the difference?

Dye-based inks consist of a dye or colorant that is dissolved in a liquid solution. The ink is absorbed into the material on which you are printing. In general, dye-based inks are less expensive and produce more vibrant colors than pigment-based inks. However, they are water soluble, which means they will smudge when exposed to water. They are also prone to fading when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, dye-based inks are not ideal for durable uses.

Pigment-based inks consist of a dry, powdery substance that is suspended in a liquid. The pigment ink sits mostly on top of the material on which you are printing. In general, pigment-based inks are less vibrant than dye-based inks but are more durable. It isn’t necessarily water soluble, which means it typically will not smudge when exposed to water. It is also resistant to fading when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, pigment-based inks are good for durable or long-lasting applications.

The durability of pigment-based inks also depends on the material or substrate on which you will be printing. For example, using Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels (for inkjet printers) results in extremely durable labels that are waterproof and very resistant to a wide variety of chemicals including harsh chemicals such as Acetone, MEK and Toluene. These labels are also resistant to UV fading and abrasion. UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels pass the BS5609 Sec. 3 certification for print durability on a variety of inkjet printers.

You will find that many home-based inkjet printers use dye-based inks, while many office-grade inkjet printers use pigment-based inks.

For a list of pigment-based inkjet printers, see the table below. This list may not include all pigment-based inkjet printers. Please check with your manufacturer.

For more information on Easy Align Self-Laminating Labels, click here.

Easy Align Self-Laminating Labels

Request a Free Sample

Fill out the form below to receive a FREE sample of our Easy Align Self-Laminating Labels. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your sample to arrive.

Please note that we cannot ship to P.O. boxes.

*Indicates required field

Name:*

Company Name:

Street Address 1:*

Street Address 2:

City:*

State & ZIP:*

Email:*

Receive free offers, product information and news from Avery by email

Limit one sample per person and one sample per household, while supplies last. Offer good in the Continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. Offer void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted.

Posting or linking of this offer on any bulletin board, personal Web page, or by other means of dissemination without permission from Avery Products Corporation is strictly prohibited and deemed a violation of Avery’s intellectual property rights. Avery Products Corporation reserves its right to exercise any legal recourse against anyone who infringes its intellectual property rights.

Looks Like We’re Experiencing Some Technical Difficulties

We apologize for the inconvenience. Please come back later and try again.

Your Request Is Being Processed

We received your request for the Avery Easy Align™ Self-Laminating Labels sample. Your sample should arrive in two to three weeks and we can’t wait for you to try them.

Let Us Help You Get GHS Compliant

With the deadline for GHS labeling compliance passed, it’s time to make sure your company is in up to date with all the new regulations before fines are levied. We’ve compiled an informative guide to help you achieve GHS label compliance in the fastest, easiest way possible.

Valuable information included:

Required GHS Label Content

How to Handle Labeling Challenges

Industries Affected

Tips to Ensure Compliance

Download your free guide now!

Avery UltraDuty™ GHS Chemical Labels

Download a Free Whitepaper

Fill out the form below to receive a FREE whitepaper of our UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels.

*Indicates required field

Name:*

Last Name can only consist of alphabets

Business Email:
*

Company Name:*

Job Title:*

Job Title can only consist of letters

Receive free offers, product information and news from Avery by email

Posting or linking of this offer on any bulletin board, personal Web page, or by other means of dissemination without permission from Avery Products Corporation is strictly prohibited and deemed a violation of Avery’s intellectual property rights. Avery Products Corporation reserves its right to exercise any legal recourse against anyone who infringes its intellectual property rights.

Looks Like We’re Experiencing Some Technical Difficulties

We apologize for the inconvenience. Please come back later and try again.

Your whitepaper will be downloaded shortly...

If the window is not redirected, please click here to download the whitepaper.